Emilie Taman Announces Candidacy for City Councillor in Capital Ward

Emilie Taman announced her candidacy for Capital Ward on January 29, 2018, saying she’s running to provide strong and responsive representation at City Hall for all residents, and to contribute to building a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable Ottawa. “Capital Ward needs a councillor who will consult, listen and work collaboratively to build stronger communities in the ward and a better city—for families, seniors, students, young professionals, LGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada,” she said.

Taman plans to run on a platform of greater public accountability, increased public engagement in planning and development, evidenced-based decision making in public health, and strengthening environmental sustainability across city projects. Community safety and policing, transportation options that work for everyone, and the efficient and innovative delivery of city services are also issues she looks forward to discussing with ward residents during the campaign.

“Right now, private developers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to growth in our city – this just doesn’t work for creating thriving neighbourhoods that work for the people who live there,” says Taman. “We need a people centred planning process that allows for the creation of thoughtful and inclusive community design plans, particularly along the Bank St. corridor.”

A former federal crown prosecutor responsible for the prosecution of offences such as corporate tax evasion, human smuggling, environmental and fisheries violations, and fraud, Taman is driven by a passion for justice and building hope and opportunity for all. She is currently teaching in the law faculty at the University of Ottawa and is the co-host of the award-winning justice and politics podcast, The Docket.

“One of the things that was reinforced for me as a federal candidate, was how much people’s daily lives are directly affected by decisions made by City Council. Whether it be access to affordable housing, transit or public health services, the choices our council makes play a critical role in creating a fair and inclusive society,” says Taman.

Taman has been the president and long-time board member of the Old Ottawa South Community Association and an active member of the Ottawa South Committee for Refugee Sponsorship that has now successfully brought two families to Ottawa with others on their way. She also played a leadership role in Bookmark the Core, a citizens’ group which advocated for Ottawa’s new central library to be built in the downtown core, where it would be readily accessible to Capital Ward residents, office workers and visitors to the city.

“I believe my long-time commitment to our communities and my skills of bringing people together, understanding the complexity of issues and building consensus to find effective solutions, will be an asset on council,” says Taman. “I hope the people of Ward 17 elect me to work on their behalf.” Capital Ward includes the communities of Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South, the Glebe, Heron Park, Carleton University, and Riverside. Taman’s campaign will officially get underway on May 1st, 2018, the first day candidates can file a nomination paper for councillor. Municipal election day is October 22, 2018.

Emilie Taman and her spouse, Michael Spratt, a criminal lawyer, have three children, ages 11, 9 and 6.